It might be expected, from the fertility of the subject, that I should consider poetry, as it regards the sublime and beautiful, more at large; but it must be observed, that in this light it has been often and well handled already. It was not my design to enter into the criticism of the sublime and beautiful in any art, but to attempt to lay down such principles as may tend to ascertain, to distinguish, and to form a sort of standard for them; which purposes I thought might be best effected by an inquiry into the properties of such things in nature, as raise love and astonishment in us; and by showing in what manner they operated to produce these passions. Words were only so far to be considered as to show upon what principle they were capable of being the representatives of these natural things, and by what powers they were able to affect us often as strongly as the things they represent, and sometimes much more strongly. A SHORT ACCOUNT OF A LATE SHORT ADMINISTRATION. 1766. The late administration came into employment, under the mediation of the Duke of Cumberland, on the tenth day of July, 1765; and was removed, upon a plan settled by the Earl of Chatham, on the thirtieth day of July, 1766, having lasted just one year and twenty days. In that space of time The distractions of the British empire were composed, by _the repeal of the American stamp act_; But the constitutional superiority of Great Britain was preserved by _the act for securing the dependence of the colonies_. _Private_ houses were relieved from the jurisdiction of the excise, by _the repeal of the cider tax_. The personal liberty of the subject was confirmed, by _the resolution against general warrants_. The lawful secrets of business and friendship were rendered inviolable, by _the resolution for condemning the seizure of papers_. The trade of America was set free from injudicious and ruinous impositions,--its revenue was improved, and settled upon a rational foundation,--its commerce extended with foreign countries; while all the advantages were secured to Great Britain, by _the act for repealing certain duties, and encouraging, regulating, and securing the trade of this kingdom, and the British dominions in America_. Materials were provided and insured to our manufactures,--the sale of these manufactures was increased,--the African trade preserved and extended,--the principles of the act of navigation pursued, and the plan improved,--and the trade for bullion rendered free, secure, and permanent, by _the act for opening certain ports in Dominica and Jamaica_. That administration was the first which proposed and encouraged public meetings and free consultations of merchants from all parts of the kingdom; by which means the truest lights have been received; great benefits have been already derived to manufactures and commerce; and the most extensive prospects are opened for further improvement.